Des Moines Arts Festival Begins

Along with art for purchase, some artists will be sharing demonstrations of their process and tips for working in their medium. You can also show off your own personal artistry at the BOOM ART! Interactive Mural Project, which lets guests add their own doodles to a group mural. Photo: Taelynn Christopher.

Cruising in on the wake of Art Week, the Des Moines Arts Festival will continue the p(art)y with events, activities and performances all weekend in Western Gateway Park. This juried exhibition includes art in a variety of mediums by around 190 artists from across the nation. The festival kicks off its 25th anniversary year with a concert from William Elliott Whitmore on Thursday night.

In addition to taking in live music, you can catch a short film at the Interrobang Film Festival going on inside the Des Moines Central Library, participate in activities like seed ball making or spray painting T-shirts, and, of course, view and purchase art at the booths lining the streets. You may see some familiar faces in the crowd; among the local artists participating this year are Chris Vance, James Navarro and Linda Lewis.

Find the list of events, artists and a festival map at desmoineartsfestival.org. The festival will be open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.